Letter: Why raise cigarette taxes?

I would very much like to know what is being done with the millions of dollars generated by the lottery in this commonwealth. When the lottery came into being here in Kentucky we were told and led to believe that with the money generated from the lottery, Kentucky would be financially sound in the future. So much so that it would be unlikely that taxes would ever have to be raised again. There was even talk of lifting the state sales tax. Somebody lied.

I'm sure there are hundreds of ways to deal with any financial trouble other than raise taxes on cigarettes. Don't we have any brain power in Frankfort - intelligence beyond an increase in cigarette taxes?

One way to save money would be to cut the salary of those in power in Frankfort. They sure don't seem to earn it.

I say that we already have too much tax on tobacco products and gasoline in this state. And I see very little being done with this tax money. Where does it go? How are the citizens of Kentucky gaining any benefit from these increased taxes?

Instead of just accepting these tax increases, we need to demand exactly why there should be an increase and demand full accountability. I'm sick of being a slave to government. It is time the taxpayer grew a backbone.

Roger D. Bowman Danville